Latest news with #Billboard200
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Is Monday Morning Officially Tyler, The Creator Time Following the No. 1 Debut of ‘Don't Tap the Glass'?
For the second straight year, Tyler, The Creator debuts atop the Billboard 200 with a new album — and for the second straight year, he does it with just over half a week of consumption to his credit. With just a couple days' notice, Tyler released new set Don't Tap the Glass the morning of July 21 — a Monday, already three-plus days into the Friday-starting tracking week — about nine months after dropping Chromakopia at the same time of the week. And like Chromakopia, which bowed at No. 1 with 299,000 first-week units (according to Luminate), Glass also debuts at No. 1, albeit with fewer units moved (197,000). More from Billboard Jonas Brothers Address Whether They Still Feel 'Guilt' Over 2013 Breakup: 'It Needed to Happen' Billie Eilish Says Irish Fans Make Her Feel 'So Seen' in Dublin Everclear Celebrate 'Sparkle and Fade' With Full Album Tour Down Under Has Tyler's Monday-release strategy been validated by the back-to-back No. 1s? And will this be his first year ranking among the country's top tier of pop stars? Billboard staffers answer these questions and more below. at No. 1 with 197,000 first-week units. Is that number lower, higher or about what you would've expected for the album's bow? Mackenzie Cummings-Grady For only four days worth of numbers, that number is very high. It's right in line with what I would think a Tyler release would do at this point. His fans have become unbelievably rabid and cult-like, and will devour anything he drops regardless of what day of the week it is. Kyle Denis: This is about what I expected. I was hoping it would be able to inch past the 200,000-unit mark, but it's hard to be unhappy with 197,000 units in just four days of tracking. Angel Diaz: That number is very impressive being that it really didn't have a rollout and Chromakopia dropped less than a year ago. I think this leaves no doubt that Tyler is not only one of the biggest rappers out, but also one of music's biggest acts. He deserves to be mentioned with the likes of Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Drake, Kendrick, etc. He has the numbers to back it up. Jason Lipshutz: Higher. Even with the understanding that Tyler is unquestionably an A-list star in popular music, earning a nearly 200k first-week bow with a surprise album, in a shortened chart week, less than a year after his last album, represents an over-the-top success. Last year, Chromakopia represented a smash — and one of Tyler's strongest front-to-back listens to date — so to come up with another of those so quickly highlights just how scorching Tyler's current hot streak is at this point. Andrew Unterberger: Maybe a little lower, just because that Chromakopia number is a full 100k higher. But then again, 197k is still more than Justin Bieber was able to do with a surprise drop in a full week — which is pretty damn crazy to think about when you zoom out on it. 2. Between this and 2024's , it's been two straight early-Monday album releases for Tyler, The Creator. Do you think the responses to the two albums so far justifies this unconventional release strategy for him? Mackenzie Cummings-Grady: Absolutely. It also just shows the power of his fanbase. His supporters are following him specifically as an entity, rather than just routinely checking in for new music every Friday. The fans follow Tyler's every move, and with listeners that dedicated it's clear Tyler can keep dropping whatever he wants whenever he wants. Kyle Denis: Undoubtedly. For two LPs in a row, Tyler has charted the entire tracklist on the Hot 100, pulled in over 100,000 pure sales first-week, and over 90 million opening week on-demand official streams. Already an A-tier music star, Tyler's mid-week releases have allowed him to truly create a spectacle out of his albums that dominates the cultural conversation for the following week and weekend. The tracking week may be shorter, but each album's time in the zeitgeist lasts a bit longer than the timeframe a traditional Friday release might have yielded. Angel Diaz: I definitely think the response justifies this strategy. Now, as a rap writer, I'm not sure which approach I prefer because we have to come up with knee-jerk reactions whether he drops on a Friday or on a Monday. I do appreciate only having to listen to one project on a release day, though. I would like these surprise albums to drop with all the feature and production credits ready to go too, so that we're not playing guessing games as we try to write about them. Jason Lipshutz: The Monday release strategy is a curious one for a major artist like Tyler, who could have collected much bigger first-week debuts with a standard Friday drop but instead prioritized issuing his albums on a day of the week with zero other competition. The buzz that both Chromakopia and Don't Tap the Glass generated upon their respective releases makes up for the missed first-week album units, though: this strategy underlines the fact that Tyler cares less about streaming metrics and more about creating an authentic moment for listeners, an anti-commercial artistic philosophy that has surely been compelling for fans. Andrew Unterberger: Basically. But selfishly, I would like to see him go back to the Friday release on his next one — maybe even with a little more of a promo rollout — just because I want to see what kind of full-first-week number Tyler can pull at his absolute commercial peak. 3. Largely due to the album's mid-week release, the album only charts one song in the Hot 100's top 40 ('Big Poe' at No. 33), but launches all 10 tracks onto the Hot 100. Do you see any of them becoming breakout hits from the set, or is it too much about the full album for one track to stand out like that? Mackenzie Cummings-Grady: I see 'Big Poe' and 'Sugar On My Tongue' branching out a little bit just because of how infectious they are, but at this point I consider Tyler to be an album guy. His fans come for the full experience of his projects, rather than just for a hit song here and there. Kyle Denis: I think 'Ring Ring Ring' probably emerges as the breakout hit from the set. It's dance-forward, has legitimate potential for a top 40 radio breakthrough and features a timeless interpolation of Cherrelle & Alexander O'Neal's 'Saturday Love.' I'd also keep an eye on 'I'll Take Care of You.' Angel Diaz: I'd put my money on 'Stop Playing With Me' and 'Don't You Worry Baby' featuring Madison McFerrin as the breakout hits when the dust settles. However, a 10-track album that clocks in at just under 30 minutes makes it easy for the listeners to press play and let it ride. In a couple years kids are going to hear their parents hit play on 'Big Poe' on a Saturday morning and they're gonna know it's time to clean the house. Jason Lipshutz: 'Sugar On My Tongue' functions like no other Tyler, The Creator tracks that had preceded it, a dance-funk fantasia with more bounce than something like 'EARFQUAKE' and a more propulsive tempo than anything on Chromakopia. This summer has sorely needed a smash hit like 'Sugar On My Tongue,' and I'm guessing it helps highlight the back half of the season on the charts. Andrew Unterberger: I'll say 'Stop Playing With Me' just because it's the one that already has a (great) music video. But honestly, 'breakout hit' is always sorta relative with Tyler, and I think doubly so on this surprise 10-track release. I doubt we'll know what the true fan favorite from the set is until we see which song is unexpectedly still appearing on the Spotify daily charts two years from now. 4. Tyler has never dropped albums in back-to-back years before, nor had a release with such a short rollout. Do you think that means the album will ultimately be considered more of a detour/side project for him, or will it ultimately be viewed on the same tier as his highly acclaimed last few sets? Mackenzie Cummings-Grady: It feels more like a side project, and with Tyler telling us prior to its release to keep our expectations in check, it's safe to say he feels the same way. Whether it goes on to be as highly acclaimed as his other efforts, only time will tell. Kyle Denis: I think it depends on how he continues to roll the album out. If the Los Angeles no-phones listening party, the New York City pop-up and the album's striking imagery are anything to go by, it's more likely than not that Don't Tap the Glass ends up as respected as any studio LP from Tyler. Angel Diaz: At first, I felt like this would be a side thing for him, but given the overwhelming positive reaction it's gotten, I can see some folks holding this tape in high regard because it features some of his best production to date. It's also a lot more fun than Chromakopia. Jason Lipshutz: While Don't Tap the Glass stands apart from Chromakopia sonically, it's hard to separate the two projects right now — especially considering that Tyler is still touring arenas behind Chromakopia. I think that will change over time, though: this is not a Kid A/Amnesiac situation, where a quick follow-up to an album is clearly composed of material from the same studio sessions, and thus tethered loosely together forever. In a few years, these two albums will sound different enough — and represent different sides of Tyler's artistry — that they won't be linked together by their release-date proximity. Andrew Unterberger: When it comes to end-of-decade or all-time lists that only have one or two spots max available for Tyler albums, I doubt Glass will be one that they go with. But I do think fans will certainly cherish it — it's just so much fun, so unlike any other release in the rap great's catalog, and such a fantastic showcase of him at the peak of his powers. Most importantly, it just keeps his winning streak going, and the one he's on currently can only be rivaled by a handful of artists in all of popular music. 5. Though he's been an honorable mention in 2021 and 2024, Tyler, The Creator has yet to finish in our Greatest Pop Stars year-end top 10. Should he make the list for the first time this year, or does he still have more to prove? Mackenzie Cummings-Grady: He should definitely make the list. At this point Tyler deserves all the accolades. His power in mainstream music is undeniable. Kyle Denis: Between Chromakopia's success bleeding into 2025, his massive tour in support of that album and now this new phenomenon of Don't Tap the Glass, I'd say his case damn near solidified. Angel Diaz: I would like to see the list if Tyler isn't top 10 this year, so I can boo it. He's already one of the biggest rap stars in the world, so that automatically makes him one of the biggest pop stars. He writes his own songs, makes his own beats, makes his own clothes, and always has something to say. He should easily be in the conversation in 2025. Jason Lipshutz: Definitely. Two big albums (with 2024's Chromakopia carrying hits into 2025), a major tour, significant festival headlining slots and buzz worthy pop-culture moments, with still five months to go? I'd be shocked if he doesn't crash his first top 10. Andrew Unterberger: It's gonna take a hell of an end to the pop year for this to even be in question. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Four Decades of 'Madonna': A Look Back at the Queen of Pop's Debut Album on the Charts Chart Rewind: In 1990, Madonna Was in 'Vogue' Atop the Hot 100 Solve the daily Crossword
Forbes
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
BTS Denied Another No. 1 Album By A Surprise Competitor
BTS debuts Permission to Dance on Stage (Live) at No. 2 on Top Album Sales and No. 10 on the ... More Billboard 200, while Tyler, the Creator leads both lists. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 31: BTS performs during the Times Square New Year's Eve 2020 Celebration on December 31, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Manny Carabel/FilmMagic) BTS is back on the charts in the United States, as the South Korean septet debuts its latest album Permission to Dance on Stage (Live). The set appears on several Billboard tallies thanks to the pent-up demand for anything connected to the boy band, as the singers have all been focusing on serving their country and their solo careers for several years now. The full-length effort doesn't quite make it to No. 1 on most rankings, but it does perform well across the board. On the most important sales list, the K-pop favorites are denied another champion as a surprise release from one of hip-hop's biggest stars beats the Grammy-nominated group to the peak. BTS's New Album Launches at No. 2 Permission to Dance on Stage (Live) arrives at No. 2 on the Top Album Sales chart this week. The set opens with 36,000 pure purchases, according to Luminate. During another tracking period, that might have been enough to send the K-pop superstars to the top spot, but the competition was too fierce this time around. Tyler, the Creator Beats BTS to the Summit The current ruler of the Top Album Sales chart is Don't Tap the Glass, which Tyler, the Creator released midweek. The rapper only revealed the full-length shortly before he dropped it, and it only had a few days in which to rack up sales, but that didn't stop it from selling incredibly well in its first few hours of availability. Don't Tap the Glass sold 127,500 copies in less than a week, easily conquering the ranking. Half a Dozen Leaders for BTS As the group's live project debuts, BTS earns its fifteenth placement on the Top Album Sales chart. 11 of those projects have climbed into the highest tier, and half a dozen have led the charge. BTS Returns to the Billboard 200's Top 10 Permission to Dance on Stage (Live) also makes it to the highest tier on the Billboard 200, which was a tougher feat to manage. BTS narrowly breaks back into that coveted space as the group's live project starts at No. 10. The success of Permission to Dance on Stage (Live) is largely thanks to those 36,000 pure purchases, but when including the sales of individual tunes from its tracklist and streaming activity, the live effort moved a total of 43,000 equivalent units.
CTV News
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
How ‘KPop Demon Hunters' became the surprise hit of the summer
This image released by Netflix shows characters Zoey, from left, Rumi and Mira in a scene from "KPop Demon Hunters." (Netflix via AP) NEW YORK — In the colourful, animated, musical world of 'KPop Demon Hunters,' everyone is a fan. The general public rocks T-shirts supporting their favorite idols. They hold light sticks and stare starry-eyed at stadium stages; they scream, they cry, they cheer, they buy the merch. It shouldn't come as much of a surprise, then, that the Sony Pictures/ Netflix film itself has inspired similar fanfare, having topped the streamer's global rankings. Fans have flooded the internet with art, covers, cosplay and choreography in response to the movie, which follows the fictional K-pop girl group HUNTR/X as they fight demons. And it's not just the film that's a summer hit. The 'KPop Demon Hunters' soundtrack has topped the charts — debuting at No. 1 on Billboard's Soundtracks chart and No. 8 on the all-genre Billboard 200. Here's how 'KPop Demon Hunters' became the year's surprising success story. Musical tradition — and K-pop — are honoured The 'KPop Demon Hunters' soundtrack utilizes some of the best and brightest in the genre. That included a partnership with K-pop company The Black Label, co-founded by super producer Teddy Park, known for his work with YG, Blackpink and 2NE1 — empowered girl groups used as references for the film's protagonists, the trio HUNTR/X. It's one of the many reasons the musical film's soundtrack stands on its own. Filmmakers 'really did their homework,' says Jeff Benjamin, a music journalist who specializes in K-pop. Indeed, they did a lot of research. One of the film's directors, Maggie Kang, said that her team prioritized 'representing the fandom and the idols in a very specific way,' as to not disappoint K-pop fans. They pulled from a treasure trove of influences heard at every corner: The fictional, rival boy band Saja Boys' hit song 'Soda Pop,' for example, references the '90s K-pop group H.O.T. And it has worked. 'KPop Demon Hunters' is the highest charting soundtrack of 2025, with eight of its songs landing on the Billboard Hot 100. It peaked at No. 2 on the all-genre Billboard 200. To put that in perspective: Lorde's 'Virgin' and Justin Bieber's 'Swag' did the same. In some ways, it recalls Disney's 'Encanto,' which topped the Billboard 200 and produced a No. 1 hit, 'We Don't Talk About Bruno ' in 2022. Similarly, 'KPop Demon Hunters' embraces 'the original soundtrack, which is a lost art form,' adds Benjamin. Tamar Herman, a music journalist and author of the 'Notes on K-pop' newsletter, says the movie succeeds because it embraces animated musical tradition and authentic K-pop music production styles in equal measure. She considers 'Kpop Demon Hunters' to be 'a musical with songs inspired by K-pop,' not unlike a Jukebox musical, where the songs of ABBA are reimagined for 'Mamma Mia.' Audiences hunger for something new The novelty of the film, too, seems to be resonating. Where many animated films rely on adapting existing intellectual property, 'KPop Demon Hunters' is original. And it comes from an original perspective. 'It's not completely Korean, it's not completely Western and it's kind of right in that middle,' says Kang. 'It's like not pulled from one side; it's kind of flavors of both. So, I think that's what makes the movie feels a little different.' And 'the core story is what's drawing everybody in,' says Kang. San Francisco-based cosplayer and content creator Nanci Alcántar, who goes by Naanny Lee online agrees. 'It's not only a K-pop group, but it also tells a story of their journey, of how they transform into powerful warriors,' said Alcántar in Spanish. For her, it goes beyond K-pop — it's about the narrative. Kang's approach to cultural authenticity, too, may have contributed to the film's crossover appeal. Rather than explaining Korean elements like HUNTR/X's visit to a traditional medicine clinic or translating K-pop light stick culture for Western audiences, she opted for full immersion. 'We just wanted everybody to just accept that they were in Korea,' Kang said. The director said this method of 'throwing people into the deep end of a culture' breaks down barriers better than heavy-handed explanation. 'We just wanted to keep everything feeling normal,' she explained. 'If you don't shine a light on it, it just becomes more easily accepted.' Inventive animation connects Zabrinah Santiago, a San Diego-based longtime K-pop fan and freelance illustrator who goes by ItmeZ online, was so inspired by the animation style of the movie that she raced to make fan art. She sold illustrated fan cards of HUNTR/X and Saja Boys at her booth at the Los Angeles Anime Expo, held in July, two weeks after the movie was released on Netflix. And she wasn't the only one. A search of #kpopdemonhunters on Instagram yields thousands of fan illustrations of HUNTR/X and Saja Boys. Japan-based Youtuber Emily Sim, also known as Emirichu online, says the character designs and original plot drew her to the movie. Sim, with more than 3.5 million subscribers on YouTube, posted a 35-minute video about the movie. In a week-and-a-half, it garnered nearly 450,000 views. 'I love seeing all the fan art and just the ways that this movie has creatively inspired people,' Sim said. Kang says for 'KPop Demon Hunters,' her team wanted to bring together demons and Jeoseung Saja — the grim reaper in Korean mythology — for a film that could look both very traditional and modernized — what she says is common in K-dramas but not in animation. Herman compares the movie to another Sony animation: 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,' which also attracted a broad audience with its creative animation. 'And it's a fun, animated musical, which we haven't had in a while,' she says. 'It's campy, it's engaging, it's universal.' And K-pop fans see themselves represented Santiago was initially skeptical of the title 'KPop Demon Hunters.' 'I feel like with big companies they kind of like to use K-pop as a bait. They kind of like to take advantage of K-pop fans' sincerity,' said Santiago. 'But I felt like with this one, it was such like kind of a love letter to K-pop fans.' Indeed — if the film wasn't authentic to K-pop fans' experience, or mocked them, it is unlikely to have become so popular, says Benjamin. Instead, there are Easter eggs for the dedicated K-pop listener. Herman agrees, and says that the film has in-jokes for K-pop fans, not unlike a children's movie that features some humor meant to appeal specifically to parents. 'Figuring out what makes K-pop tick in a way that resonates with musical fans was really important to this movie,' said Herman. For Kang, that was always at the heart of the project. 'Fandom plays a huge part in the world being saved at the end of the movie,' she said. 'So, we were really confident that we were doing that justice.' ___ Karena Phan reported from Los Angeles. Juwon Park reported from Seoul. Maria Sherman, Karena Phan And Juwon Park, The Associated Press
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Billie Eilish Says Irish Fans Make Her Feel ‘So Seen' in Dublin
Billie Eilish closed out the U.K. and European leg of her Hit Me Hard and Soft world tour with two sold-out shows at Dublin's 3Arena, where she took a moment to reflect on her heritage and express heartfelt gratitude to her Irish fans. Performing in Dublin on July 26, the 22-year-old pop star told the crowd that being in Ireland — a country tied to her family roots — made her feel an unexpected connection with the audience. 'Obviously, I am not from here, but it's really cool to come somewhere and everybody looks exactly like you,' Eilish told the crowd. 'You're all just as pasty as me. I love it.' More from Billboard Jonas Brothers Address Whether They Still Feel 'Guilt' Over 2013 Breakup: 'It Needed to Happen' Everclear Celebrate 'Sparkle and Fade' With Full Album Tour Down Under My Chemical Romance Debut Unreleased Song, 'War Beneath the Rain,' at L.A. Show She continued, 'It just makes me feel so seen. Also, a thousand of my relatives are in the crowd right now, I'm pretty sure.' Eilish concluded her heartfelt message by calling the crowd 'so beautiful' and thanking them for the warm reception: 'I love it here – it's so beautiful and you are all so beautiful and I see so many familiar faces out there.' The moment capped off a massive run of European shows for Eilish, who performed at several major arenas, including five nights at London's O2 Arena earlier in July. At her July 17 O2 show. During her recent U.K. shows, Eilish also teased a new creative venture with Avatar and Titanic director James Cameron. At her July 12 concert in Manchester, the singer acknowledged an increased number of cameras in the venue and hinted at a 3D project with Cameron, saying, 'I can't say much about it, but it's something really special.' Eilish released Hit Me Hard and Soft in May 2025 via Darkroom/Interscope Records. The album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart, earning 339,000 equivalent album units in its first week, and featured the singles 'Lunch,' 'Birds of a Feather,' and 'Chihiro.' It follows her 2021 sophomore album Happier Than Ever, which topped the Billboard 200 and earned multiple Grammy nominations. Eilish will kick off the North American leg of her Hit Me Hard and Soft tour in September, with dates scheduled through December. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart Solve the daily Crossword
Hamilton Spectator
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
How ‘KPop Demon Hunters' became the surprise hit of the summer
NEW YORK (AP) — In the colorful, animated, musical world of 'KPop Demon Hunters,' everyone is a fan. The general public rocks T-shirts supporting their favorite idols. They hold light sticks and stare starry-eyed at stadium stages; they scream, they cry, they cheer, they buy the merch. It shouldn't come as much of a surprise, then, that the Sony Pictures/ Netflix film itself has inspired similar fanfare, having topped the streamer's global rankings. Fans have flooded the internet with art, covers, cosplay and choreography in response to the movie, which follows the fictional K-pop girl group HUNTR/X as they fight demons. And it's not just the film that's a summer hit. The 'KPop Demon Hunters' soundtrack has topped the charts — debuting at No. 1 on Billboard's Soundtracks chart and No. 8 on the all-genre Billboard 200. Here's how 'KPop Demon Hunters' became the year's surprising success story. Musical tradition — and K-pop — are honored The 'KPop Demon Hunters' soundtrack utilizes some of the best and brightest in the genre. That included a partnership with K-pop company The Black Label, co-founded by super producer Teddy Park, known for his work with YG, Blackpink and 2NE1 — empowered girl groups used as references for the film's protagonists, the trio HUNTR/X. It's one of the many reasons the musical film's soundtrack stands on its own. Filmmakers 'really did their homework,' says Jeff Benjamin, a music journalist who specializes in K-pop. Indeed, they did a lot of research. One of the film's directors, Maggie Kang, said that her team prioritized 'representing the fandom and the idols in a very specific way,' as to not disappoint K-pop fans. They pulled from a treasure trove of influences heard at every corner: The fictional, rival boy band Saja Boys' hit song 'Soda Pop,' for example, references the '90s K-pop group H.O.T. And it has worked. 'KPop Demon Hunters' is the highest charting soundtrack of 2025, with eight of its songs landing on the Billboard Hot 100. It peaked at No. 2 on the all-genre Billboard 200. To put that in perspective: Lorde's 'Virgin' and Justin Bieber's 'Swag' did the same. In some ways, it recalls Disney's 'Encanto,' which topped the Billboard 200 and produced a No. 1 hit, 'We Don't Talk About Bruno ' in 2022. Similarly, 'KPop Demon Hunters' embraces 'the original soundtrack, which is a lost art form,' adds Benjamin. Tamar Herman, a music journalist and author of the 'Notes on K-pop' newsletter, says the movie succeeds because it embraces animated musical tradition and authentic K-pop music production styles in equal measure. She considers 'Kpop Demon Hunters' to be 'a musical with songs inspired by K-pop,' not unlike a Jukebox musical, where the songs of ABBA are reimagined for 'Mamma Mia.' Audiences hunger for something new The novelty of the film, too, seems to be resonating. Where many animated films rely on adapting existing intellectual property, 'KPop Demon Hunters' is original. And it comes from an original perspective. 'It's not completely Korean, it's not completely Western and it's kind of right in that middle,' says Kang. 'It's like not pulled from one side; it's kind of flavors of both. So, I think that's what makes the movie feels a little different.' And 'the core story is what's drawing everybody in,' says Kang. San Francisco-based cosplayer and content creator Nanci Alcántar, who goes by Naanny Lee online agrees. 'It's not only a K-pop group, but it also tells a story of their journey, of how they transform into powerful warriors,' said Alcántar in Spanish. For her, it goes beyond K-pop — it's about the narrative. Kang's approach to cultural authenticity, too, may have contributed to the film's crossover appeal. Rather than explaining Korean elements like HUNTR/X's visit to a traditional medicine clinic or translating K-pop light stick culture for Western audiences, she opted for full immersion. 'We just wanted everybody to just accept that they were in Korea,' Kang said. The director said this method of 'throwing people into the deep end of a culture' breaks down barriers better than heavy-handed explanation. 'We just wanted to keep everything feeling normal,' she explained. 'If you don't shine a light on it, it just becomes more easily accepted.' Inventive animation connects Zabrinah Santiago, a San Diego-based longtime K-pop fan and freelance illustrator who goes by ItmeZ online, was so inspired by the animation style of the movie that she raced to make fan art. She sold illustrated fan cards of HUNTR/X and Saja Boys at her booth at the Los Angeles Anime Expo, held in July, two weeks after the movie was released on Netflix. And she wasn't the only one. A search of #kpopdemonhunters on Instagram yields thousands of fan illustrations of HUNTR/X and Saja Boys. Japan-based Youtuber Emily Sim, also known as Emirichu online, says the character designs and original plot drew her to the movie. Sim, with more than 3.5 million subscribers on YouTube, posted a 35-minute video about the movie. In a week-and-a-half, it garnered nearly 450,000 views. 'I love seeing all the fan art and just the ways that this movie has creatively inspired people,' Sim said. Kang says for 'KPop Demon Hunters,' her team wanted to bring together demons and Jeoseung Saja — the grim reaper in Korean mythology — for a film that could look both very traditional and modernized — what she says is common in K-dramas but not in animation. Herman compares the movie to another Sony animation: 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,' which also attracted a broad audience with its creative animation. 'And it's a fun, animated musical, which we haven't had in a while,' she says. 'It's campy, it's engaging, it's universal.' And K-pop fans see themselves represented Santiago was initially skeptical of the title 'KPop Demon Hunters.' 'I feel like with big companies they kind of like to use K-pop as a bait. They kind of like to take advantage of K-pop fans' sincerity,' said Santiago. 'But I felt like with this one, it was such like kind of a love letter to K-pop fans.' Indeed — if the film wasn't authentic to K-pop fans' experience, or mocked them, it is unlikely to have become so popular, says Benjamin. Instead, there are Easter eggs for the dedicated K-pop listener. Herman agrees, and says that the film has in-jokes for K-pop fans, not unlike a children's movie that features some humor meant to appeal specifically to parents. 'Figuring out what makes K-pop tick in a way that resonates with musical fans was really important to this movie,' said Herman. For Kang, that was always at the heart of the project. 'Fandom plays a huge part in the world being saved at the end of the movie,' she said. 'So, we were really confident that we were doing that justice.' ___ Karena Phan reported from Los Angeles. Juwon Park reported from Seoul.
